TL; Dr.
- Spain now offers short -term work permits for some skilled professionals for less than 90 days.
- These permits apply to digital nomads, blue card holders, researchers and highly qualified workers of the European Union.
- UAE-based professionals can legally work on short projects in Spain without prolonged visa commitments.
Spain recently updated its immigration rules to allow skilled foreign workers to obtain short -term work permits for up to 90 days. This is a significant change, because by now, the work permit requires a three -month minimum migration.For professionals in the UAE, homes for many advisors, freelancers, technical experts and researchers, this means that easy access to Spain’s job market for brief assignments. Whether you want to spend a few weeks to work far away in Madrid or participate in a short -term research project, the new rules simplify the process.These permits provide more flexibility without legal safety or renunciation of needs. They are especially designed for categories such as digital nomads, blue card holders of the European Union, highly qualified professionals and similar skilled workers.
What’s different now?
Low validity: Work permits can now cover for less than 90 days. You can apply for an exact period of your project or contract, even if it is only a few weeks.More permit types include: This update affects many specific permit categories, including:
- Digital nomadic visa
- EU blue card
- Highly qualified worker permit
- Researcher visa
- Inter-competition transfer permit
No shortcut: You still need to meet all eligibility requirements, submit documents and go through a formal application process. This is just more flexible in terms of period.Legal Affairs Authority: First, many short -lived migrants require a Schengen visa, which does not allow the work. Now, qualified professional visa can legally work on short -term projects without visa issues.
What has not changed?
Spain’s traditional immigration routes, such as general work permits, family reunion visas, and non-luctive visas, still require minimal migration of 90 days or more. These routes are strict and follow the old rules.Eligibility criteria including education, job offer, salary minimum and documentation are still strictly applicable. The update affects specific permits only under the law of Spain entrepreneurs.
How and where to apply
If you are located in the UAE, you can apply for Spain’s short -term work permit through the Spanish consulate in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. You will need to submit your documents personally, including:
- A valid passport
- proof of income
- private health insurance
- Evidence of remote work or project-based employment
- Most documents should be officially translated into Spanish and induced.
Already on a tourist visa in Spain? You can apply locally through the Immigration Office (Extrangeria) or Unidy de Grands Empresses (UGE), as long as you are still within your first 90 days. This local route often occurs in long residence permits, up to three years.Processing time varies: 1-3 months while applying from UAE and about 20 working days on applying within SpainEither in case, documentation should be complete and accurate. The rules are strict, and any missing or wrong paperwork can delay or derail the process.
Spain’s two immigration routes: what you should know
Spain conducts two main systems for foreign workers:
- General Governance: This is a traditional, slow visa system. It covers most of the workers who plan to stay for a long time and have strict timelines and less flexibility.
- Entrepreneurs Law: It was introduced to attract highly skilled workers, investors and digital nomads, this system is sharp and more flexible. New short -term permit rules are particularly applied here.
For UAE professionals, Spain has a way of focusing on small projects or professionals interested in remote work, focusing on entrepreneurial law.
How UAE employers and professionals benefit
Companies in the UAE with projects or partnership in Spain now have an easy way to send experts, advisors or freelancers for brief assignments. There is no need to undergo prolonged visa processes or to be committed to long -term employment contracts.For workers, this means:
- Clear legal status during a short time
- Authority to work without visa violation
- Tax and ability to follow labor laws
- More opportunities to cooperate internationally without uprooting
Looking forward: Spain’s role in a flexible global workforce
Spain’s new rules fit with global changes towards project-based, remote and flexible work. Want to divide time between more professional countries or work abroad for a short period. The purpose of Spain is to welcome this trend and provide the same option to compete with other European countries.For professionals of UAE, this opens the doors of Europe without a normal visa hurdles race. It also strengthens trade and cultural relations between Spain and the UAE.
questions to ask
Q1. Can I apply for this short -term permit if my project is only two weeks long?Yes. New permits cover any period for 90 days, so small projects are also eligible.Q2. Do I still need a job offer or contract to apply?Yes. You have to provide proof of your assignment including contract and merit.Q3. Will these permits allow me to work anywhere in Spain?Yes, but only under categories for the type of entrepreneurs and for the type of authorized work.
